Bermudian Michael Ashford has been elected international president of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

This is the first time in its history that a member of the Canadian Division, which includes the Bermuda branch, has led the 115-year-old organisation.

The institute, with its objective for ?the promotion and advancement of the efficient administration of commerce, industry and public affairs?, has a worldwide membership of 45,000 plus 28,000 students in over 70 countries working to ensure the smooth functioning of their organisations. There are some 70 chartered secretaries in Bermuda.

Mr. Ashford, attended Albert College and York University in Canada and after a career in the wholesale business, he switched careers and joined Codan Services Limited where he is a corporate manager.

He pursued his ICSA designation through the Canadian Division and was elected a Fellow in 1992. Together with other Bermudians, he helped set up a Bermuda branch of the Canadian division that same year.

Prior to taking on the role as international president, he held posts with his local branch and most recently was president of Chartered Secretaries of Canada.